About
Polemonium reptans, creeping Jacob's ladder, is a bushy, clump-forming perennial to around 70 cm forming a low mound of long, pinnate leaves. Nodding, pale-blue or white flowers are produced in loose sprays on upright stems in spring. A rewarding and ornamental perennial for a sunny, moist, well-drained border.
About the genus
Polemonium, Jacob's ladders, are annuals or herbaceous perennials with pinnate, ladder-like leaves and clusters of tubular, bell- or funnel-shaped flowers in blue, violet, pink or white from late spring to summer. Rewarding and reliable border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, will benefit from some shade where summers are hot
PruningDeadhead regularly to encourage new flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or by division in spring. This species spreads naturally by creeping rhizomes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews